Why not enlist an army of volunteer retirees?
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By Daniel Pink, Contributing Opinion columnist
The standard American life story remains a three-act drama: a burst of education, a few decades of work, and then a leisurely retirement. We’ve received an extraordinary multi-decade windfall — and simply tacked it onto the end of the third act.
“We’re squandering it,” Laura Carstensen, a Stanford University professor who directs the school’s Center on Longevity, told me. “What would life look like if we optimized the extra 30 years instead?”
And what if that optimization simultaneously addressed some of America’s most pressing public problems?
In other words, why not establish a robust national service program for people over 65?
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Surprise! It’s SUPER relaxing to get needles.
1wRight. Cut their social security, cut their Medicaid, and expect them to be out working for free. Be the change you want to see! Optimize yourselves, Mr. Pink & WP.
Experienced non-profit administrator with a passion for making a difference.
2wThis column deeply misunderstands (or never sought to understand in the first place) the landscape of senior volunteerism, volunteerism in general, and the desires and tendencies seniors themselves have. Next time, the author might consider actually speaking with seniors and those who work in senior services.
Trump will fix it.
Director of Planning and Development Services at City of Taft, CA
2wThis is a good idea in concept, but those seniors should still be compensated for their time. With some combination of being paid the minimum wage and/or boost to their social security. You volunteer for your church and school, and some near and dear causes, but outside of that the seniors should be compensated for their time.